Honor First
Our Story
The Honor First Group was created by former senior members of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security to help educate leaders across the country on the immigration and border crisis our nation faces.
Offering in-depth, behind-the-scenes access to former border patrol chiefs, agents, border ranchers, farmers, local law enforcement, and government officials. This direct exposure provides attendees with firsthand knowledge, comprehensive briefings, and experiences necessary to truly grasp the gravity of the crisis and their pivotal role in finding solutions.
Our Approach
We believe in a personalized approach. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and develop customized strategies that deliver results.
About Honor First Group
Our extraordinary team of leaders and subject matter experts posses decades of front-line operational and management experience at all levels of government. We strive to provide our clients with the most up-to-date data and intelligence regarding immigration and border safety issues so they can make well-informed decisions.
Our Team
Ron Vitiello
Ed Miyagishima
Ed Miyagishima
Ron has had an unparalleled career serving our country, formerly serving as the National Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Ron began his 34 years of service with the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas as a frontline field agent com
Ron has had an unparalleled career serving our country, formerly serving as the National Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Ron began his 34 years of service with the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas as a frontline field agent combating human traffickers and drug smugglers firsthand. Ron held numerous leadership positions during his time as a field agent and played a key role in unifying our nation’s border agency in 2003.
In 2017, President Trump appointed Ron as the National Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, the agency’s highest career level position. Under Vitiello's leadership, the U.S. Border Patrol strengthened and enforced our nation’s laws along the border. Then in 2018, Ron was named Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ron was also appointed as CBP’s Acting Deputy Commissioner. In that role, he closely assisted the Commissioner in overseeing 60,000 employees, managing a budget of over $13 billion and ensuring the effectiveness of CBP’s efforts to protect national security while promoting economic prosperity and security.
Ron and his wife Nuri were married in 1988 and currently live in Alexandria. They have two adult children.
Ed Miyagishima
Ed Miyagishima
Ed Miyagishima
With a distinguished career spanning public service and the private sector, Ed has held pivotal roles at various levels of government and in leading organizations.
During his tenure in public service, Ed served as Senior Advisor to the Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration and held the positions of Chief of Protocol
With a distinguished career spanning public service and the private sector, Ed has held pivotal roles at various levels of government and in leading organizations.
During his tenure in public service, Ed served as Senior Advisor to the Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration and held the positions of Chief of Protocol and Director of Operations, Scheduling, and Advance at the Department of Homeland Security. His contributions were equally significant during the George W. Bush Administration, where he served as Senior Advance Representative in the Executive Office of the President for Advance and Operations at the White House.
Ed's expertise in protocol and operations has earned him recognition from several governors, including Governor Schwarzenegger in California, Governors Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott in Florida, where he was appointed the role of the state’s Chief of Protocol.
Beyond his government roles, Ed has made substantial contributions to the private sector, he served as Director of Government and Public Affairs for NASCAR, played a pivotal role as Chief of Staff and Vice President of External Affairs at Port Tampa Bay, one of the nation’s largest seaports, and operated as Principal for Shumaker Advisors, a prominent public affairs firm with offices in Ohio, Florida, and Washington DC.
Salvador Zamora
Ed Miyagishima
Salvador Zamora
Chief Salvador Zamora is a recently retired career law enforcement executive with over 26 years of distinguished service with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the United States Border Patrol (USBP). Throughout his career, Chief Zamora demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedicatio
Chief Salvador Zamora is a recently retired career law enforcement executive with over 26 years of distinguished service with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the United States Border Patrol (USBP). Throughout his career, Chief Zamora demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to securing the nation's borders and upholding the mission of the DHS.
Chief Zamora's extensive career included diverse assignments across the United States, including California, Texas, and Washington D.C., where he played key roles in various capacities. His expertise and commitment extended beyond national borders as he represented DHS overseas in Belgium, El Salvador, and Mexico, contributing to international border security efforts.
Rising through the ranks of the Border Patrol, Chief Zamora held numerous leadership positions, showcasing his versatility and command. His roles included Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, Patrol Agent in Charge, Division Chief of Operations, acting Sector Deputy Chief Patrol Agent, and Chief Patrol Agent. Notably, he made history as the first ever Director of Strategic Communications for the U.S. Border Patrol, a position where he leveraged his extensive field experience to enhance the agency's communication strategies and public engagement.
Chief Zamora's career is marked by a steadfast commitment to public service and a profound impact on national and international border security. His leadership, vision, and dedication have left a lasting legacy within the U.S. Border Patrol and the broader DHS community.
Trey Stapleton
Trey Stapleton possesses a distinguished career blending military service and strategic communications, deeply enriched by a family legacy of military dedication spanning three generations. His journey commenced with a notable 12-year tenure in the U.S. Air Force.
Transitioning from military life, Trey delved into the realm of politics, le
Trey Stapleton possesses a distinguished career blending military service and strategic communications, deeply enriched by a family legacy of military dedication spanning three generations. His journey commenced with a notable 12-year tenure in the U.S. Air Force.
Transitioning from military life, Trey delved into the realm of politics, leveraging his expertise in strategic communications and media relations to counsel candidates and prominent officials.
Beginning his political journey in Florida, Trey played integral roles in Rick Scott's gubernatorial campaign, serving as its spokesperson, and later assuming the same role for the Republican Party of Florida.
Advancing his career in the nation's capital, Trey assumed roles of increasing responsibility, notably as a senior staff member and Communications Director to Congressman Bob Turner, a significant presence in the House of Representatives. In this capacity, Trey provided valuable counsel on critical issues such as Foreign Affairs, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security.
Returning to Florida after his stint in Washington, Trey served under Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, where he held senior advisory positions and served as the Director of Public Affairs. In this role, he played a pivotal role in crafting and managing communication strategies for the Attorney General's office.
HONOR FIRST GROUP EXPERIENCES
Rio Grande Valley / Hidalgo Experience
Rio Grande Valley / Hidalgo Experience
Rio Grande Valley / Hidalgo Experience
The Rio Grande Valley, once central to the immigration and border security crisis, continues to experience significant numbers of crossings. Many migrants now attempt to evade the Border Patrol, marking a shift from previous patterns. The Rio Grande Valley Sector, one of the largest sectors for the U.S. Border Patrol, spans over 34,000 square miles of Southeast Texas. Experiences and briefings are available by land and water.
USBP Southern Border Sector
Rio Grande Valley / Hidalgo Experience
Rio Grande Valley / Hidalgo Experience
The U.S.-Mexico border, stretching over 1,900 miles, is patrolled by the U.S. Border Patrol, which is divided into nine sectors: four in Texas (Laredo, Big Bend, Del Rio, and El Paso), two in Arizona (Tucson and Yuma), and two in California (El Centro and San Diego). The Border Patrol's responsibilities extend beyond this, covering 6,000 miles of land borders with Mexico and Canada, as well as 2,000 miles of coastal waters around the Florida Peninsula and Puerto Rico.
El Centro / Calexico Experience
Rio Grande Valley / Hidalgo Experience
El Centro / Calexico Experience
The El Centro Sector, spanning 71 linear miles along the US-Mexico border, is located in the Imperial Valley of Southern California. This area features diverse terrain, primarily desert with some mountain ranges and extensive agricultural lands. The desert environment poses significant dangers for both agents and potential border crossers, with summer temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Recently, there has been a surge of immigrants from countries such as China, Turkey, and Tajikistan attempting to cross illegally in this sector.